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embracing VIETNAMIn September 2009, over 350 monastic disciples of Thich NhatHanh were violently expelled from Bat Nha (Prajna) Monasteryin Vietnam’s central highlands. They took emergency refuge atPhuoc Hue temple in the nearby town of Bao Loc. Following is aneyewitness account from a young monastic sister from Bat Nha.Further stories, photos, press coverage, petitions, and opportunitiesto help can be found at www.helpbatnha.org.OOn Sunday, September 27, we had the opportunity to do sittingmeditation together, and then to do walking meditation around theGaruda Wing Meditation Hall. It was raining heavily that day. Mybrothers’ and sisters’ robes were soaking wet, but we continued towalk next to each other in peace, love, and understanding. In me,the mind of love and faith reignited brightly.We never thought that this would be our last walking meditationon this lovely piece of land that was full of life. The atmospherewas still peaceful, and everyone was ready for the next activity,a Day of Mindfulness. For our class, “The Heart of the Buddha’sTeachings,” the topic of the four nutriments was going to be presented,but it had to be cancelled. Perhaps that presentation becamethe non-verbal Dharma talk, manifesting its insights through ourlove and profound brotherhood and sisterhood.At 8:00 a.m., all of us returned to our rooms and sat on ourown beds, waiting. I did not know what I was waiting for; I onlythought of it as a routine Sunday schedule. Over the last fewmonths, there had been no Sunday when we were not shoutedand cursed at. We only knew to sit still and keep our minds calmand receptive.At 9:00 a.m., we—the sisters in the Mountain Cloud Hamlet—received the news that the brothers’ hamlet, Fragrant Palm LeafHamlet, was being attacked. Everything was being destroyed andthrown into the rain. A number of elder and younger brothers weredragged outside and driven away. We were shocked by the news,and we did not believe that it could be true. Soon after that, I sawone elder brother and one young novice running toward MountainCloud Hamlet in soaking wet robes. They only had enough timeto bring their Sanghatis [monastic ceremonial robes] wrapped ontheir shoulders.Victims of IgnoranceAt 10:30 a.m., we were allowed to take our food. I was onthe cleaning team, so I stayed back to clean up and put thingsaway before I went to eat. As soon as I sat down on the straw matand picked up my alms bowl, I was told to get my things immediately.All of us put down our alms bowls and went to pack ourbelongings. We only thought about bringing our Sanghatis, almsbowls, monastic certificates, and identification cards. It would beall right if people came and took the rest of our belongings for theirown use. We understood that they were only victims of povertyand constant struggle. They were unfortunate to grow up and livein negative environments, so they were easily “brainwashed” andincited by distorted information.In fact, these people deserve love as much as we do. We arevictims of violence. But they are victims of ignorance and lack ofThe LastWalkingMeditationBy a Young Monastic Sister fromBat Nha Monasteryphoto by David NelsonThat is why we have chosen thispath, to protect and guard the beautyin the Vietnamese people.the Mindfulness Bell 19